Honduras Military Forces 🇭🇳

The Honduran Armed Forces' focus is primarily internal security, a shift from its previous external defense posture. This change addresses domestic challenges, particularly combating organized crime and drug trafficking. A key component of this strategy is the Military Police of Public Order (PMOP), created to take on policing roles, indicating a blurring of lines between military and police functions.

Regionally, Honduras maintains close military cooperation with the United States, which has historically influenced its military development and strategy. This relationship includes joint training exercises and aid, aimed at enhancing capabilities in counter-narcotics and counter-terrorism. The nation also collaborates with neighboring countries like El Salvador and Guatemala to address common threats. Honduras serves as a key location for U.S. military presence in the region, with established bases used for joint operations.

Military Forces

The Armed Forces of Honduras are composed of the Army, Navy, and Air Force. The military has a long history of political influence, at times acting as a guarantor of the political system and an arbiter in political disputes. Since the abolition of conscription, the military has transitioned to an all-volunteer force.

The Army is the largest branch, structured into infantry, armor, artillery, and engineering units. It also includes special forces and rapid deployment units. The Honduran Air Force has long been considered one of the most capable in Central America, historically operating a squadron of F-5 fighter jets. The Navy is a small force focused on coastal and riverine patrol, with bases on both the Caribbean and Pacific coasts to counter maritime drug trafficking. A significant development was the creation of the PMOP, a 5,000-strong force of military police officers established to bolster public security.

Equipment and Industry

The equipment inventory of the Honduran military largely consists of older systems acquired from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Israel. The Army's ground forces operate a variety of small arms, armored reconnaissance vehicles like the FV101 Scorpion, and artillery pieces.

The Air Force's assets have included F-5 fighters, though its current operational status is focused on transport and surveillance aircraft to support counter-insurgency and anti-trafficking operations. The Navy operates a fleet of patrol boats and interceptors. There is no significant domestic defense industry. Recent acquisitions and modernizations have been supported by international partners, including the US, Colombia, and Taiwan, reflecting a continued reliance on foreign suppliers.

Strategic Trends

The primary trend for the Honduran military is its continued deep involvement in domestic security operations. The use of the armed forces for internal policing is a persistent feature, driven by the challenges of organized crime and the perceived shortcomings of the national police. This internal focus is likely to continue, shaping the force's structure, training, and equipment priorities toward light infantry, mobility, and intelligence-gathering capabilities.